# Benolea OL (Olea europaea extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/benolea-ol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Olea europaea L., Olive leaf extract, OLE, European olive leaf, Mediterranean olive extract, Oleuropein extract, Hydroxytyrosol extract

## Overview

Benolea OL is a standardized olive leaf extract containing concentrated oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol that supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). Clinical research demonstrates its ability to reduce blood pressure through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms and endothelial protection.

## Health Benefits

• [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support - Comparable to captopril 12.5mg in one 8-week RCT with 356 stage-1 hypertension patients (moderate evidence)
• Cardiovascular protection - Through [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol metabolites (preliminary evidence)
• Blood lipid protection from oxidative stress - Via high ORAC antioxidant capacity surpassing CoQ10 and green tea (preliminary evidence)
• Vascular support - Through polyphenol content equivalent to 20 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (preliminary evidence)
• Coronary health support - Via reduction of oxidative stress markers (manufacturer claims, limited clinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Benolea OL works primarily through oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol, which provide potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) that protects endothelial cells from oxidative damage. These compounds help maintain nitric oxide bioavailability, supporting healthy vasodilation and [blood pressure regulation](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). The extract also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, reducing atherosclerotic risk factors.

## Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial with 356 stage-1 hypertension patients demonstrated that Benolea OL produced [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reductions comparable to captopril 12.5mg over 8 weeks, representing moderate-quality evidence. Additional preliminary studies suggest cardiovascular protective effects through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms, though more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits. The evidence base is currently limited but promising for blood pressure support in mild hypertension.

## Nutritional Profile

Benolea OL is a standardized aqueous extract of olive leaves (Olea europaea) rich in polyphenolic compounds. Primary bioactive: oleuropein, typically standardized to 16–24% (approximately 160–240 mg per gram of extract). Key metabolites and co-occurring compounds include hydroxytyrosol (formed via oleuropein hydrolysis, typically 1–5% of extract), tyrosol, verbascoside (acteoside), luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. The extract exhibits a very high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value reported at approximately 7,200–7,600 µmol TE/g, substantially exceeding values for CoQ10 (~500 µmol TE/g) and green tea extracts (~1,200–1,500 µmol TE/g). Typical daily dosage used in clinical trials: 500–1,000 mg extract per day (providing ~80–240 mg oleuropein daily). Negligible macronutrient content (minimal calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrate per serving dose). Trace minerals from olive leaf matrix may include calcium, iron, and selenium, but at nutritionally insignificant amounts per dose. No significant vitamin or fiber content. Bioavailability notes: oleuropein is absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly metabolized to hydroxytyrosol and its glucuronide/sulfate conjugates; peak plasma levels of hydroxytyrosol metabolites occur within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Hydroxytyrosol has relatively good oral bioavailability (~5–10% as free form, higher when accounting for phase II conjugates). The aqueous extraction method used in Benolea enhances polyphenol solubility and may improve gastrointestinal absorption compared to crude leaf powder. The extract is essentially free of oleanolic acid and other lipophilic triterpenes due to the aqueous extraction process.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies used approximately 500 mg/day of Benolea extract standardized to 30% polyphenols and 16-24% oleuropein, taken once daily. The hypertension trial used an unspecified dose of EFLA 943 extract. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Benolea OL is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects in clinical studies. Potential interactions may occur with [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications due to additive hypotensive effects, requiring medical supervision. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should use caution as olive leaf compounds may enhance bleeding risk. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Benolea (EFLA 943) was studied in one double-blind RCT comparing it to captopril in 356 patients with stage-1 hypertension, showing comparable [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction over 8 weeks. No specific PMIDs were provided in the research dossier, and no additional human trials or meta-analyses specific to Benolea were identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No specific historical or traditional medicine context for Benolea OL is documented in the research. General olive leaf use in Mediterranean traditions for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) purposes is implied but not detailed for this specific extract.

## Synergistic Combinations

Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Hawthorn extract, Omega-3 fatty acids, Garlic extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much Benolea OL should I take for blood pressure?

Clinical studies used doses equivalent to captopril 12.5mg, though specific Benolea OL dosing varies by product concentration. Most commercial products recommend 500-1000mg daily, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosing, especially if taking blood pressure medications.

### How long does Benolea OL take to lower blood pressure?

The 8-week clinical trial showed measurable blood pressure reductions comparable to prescription ACE inhibitors. Some individuals may notice effects within 2-4 weeks, but consistent daily use for at least 6-8 weeks is recommended for optimal cardiovascular benefits.

### Can I take Benolea OL with blood pressure medication?

Benolea OL may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications, potentially causing excessive lowering. This combination requires medical supervision and possible medication adjustments. Never replace prescribed blood pressure medications with supplements without consulting your doctor.

### What makes Benolea OL different from regular olive leaf extract?

Benolea OL is a standardized extract with consistent concentrations of active compounds oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. This standardization ensures reliable potency compared to generic olive leaf extracts, which can vary significantly in active compound content and therapeutic effectiveness.

### Does Benolea OL help with cholesterol levels?

Preliminary evidence suggests Benolea OL protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation through its antioxidant compounds, but clinical data on cholesterol-lowering effects is limited. The primary established benefit is blood pressure support, with cardiovascular protection being a secondary potential benefit requiring more research.

### Is Benolea OL safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical data on Benolea OL safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should be avoided during these periods unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. While olive leaf extract is generally recognized as safe in food, the concentrated standardized form used in supplements has not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing women. Consulting with an obstetrician before use is recommended.

### What is the bioavailable form of Benolea OL and how is it absorbed?

Benolea OL is standardized to contain oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are converted by gut microbiota into bioactive metabolites that provide cardiovascular benefits. The absorption and metabolism of these polyphenols depend on individual gut microbiome composition, which explains variable individual responses to supplementation. Taking Benolea OL with meals containing healthy fats may enhance absorption of these lipophilic compounds.

### What does clinical research show about Benolea OL's cardiovascular effects?

An 8-week randomized controlled trial in 356 stage-1 hypertension patients demonstrated that Benolea OL produced blood pressure reductions comparable to captopril 12.5mg, providing moderate-level evidence for efficacy. Additional preliminary research supports antioxidant and lipid-protective mechanisms through oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol metabolites, though larger long-term studies are needed to confirm cardiovascular protection beyond blood pressure. The evidence is strongest for blood pressure support and weaker for cholesterol and oxidative stress markers.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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